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It's not hard to get your hands on a U.S. passport in Georgia, but it does require knowing where to go and what documents to show. The process is actually the same no matter where in the country you live, as it's run by a federal agency, the Department of State. Expect it to take up to six weeks, so apply well in advance of your trip (although there's the option to pay extra for expedited processing in two to three weeks).

Georgia residents must apply in person for a first-time passport, and if the expired one is more than 15 years old, if the previous one was issued before age 16, if the old passport is missing or damaged, or if their name changed and they can't send in supporting documentation. Also, kids under 16 must apply in person with their parents or guardians and have permission from both to get a passport.

Figure out where your nearest passport acceptance facility is. Plenty of U.S. post office and public library branches function as one of these facilities. The Department of State website has a Passport Acceptance Facility Search page. Plug in your zip code or your city and the state of Georgia to find the closest locations. Make an appointment if necessary.

If you're traveling internationally within two weeks – and can prove it – and need a passport, the only possibility is through an appointment at a U.S. Passport Agency. There are fewer than 30 in the country, but there's one in Atlanta, Georgia.

Download and complete a Form DS-11 from the Department of State website, or pick one up from your nearest passport acceptance facility. Don't sign it until you're in the presence of your passport agent, however.

If you're renewing a passport by mail, use Form DS-82 instead. Review the Department of State website's page on renewing by mail for details about what else you need to send in (including the most recent passport, a new passport photo and fees).

Prepare to show proof of U.S. citizenship to submit with your application. Eligible proof of U.S. citizenship documents include a certified birth certificate from the state in which you were born; a previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport; or a citizenship or naturalization certificate. Have the original and a one-sided photocopy.

Prepare to show proof of identification. This could be a Georgia driver's license, previous passport, naturalization certificate, or a current military or government I.D. Have the original and a one-sided photocopy of both sides of the identification document.

Get a passport photo printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper that measures 2 by 2 inches. For the photograph, wear normal street attire and no accessories – not even your glasses. The required pose is a full-face, front view on a plain white or off-white background. Many passport acceptance facilities and drugstores provide passport photo services (for a fee, of course). There are more details about photo specs on the Department of State website's Passport Photos page.

Pay the passport services application fees at your appointment, when you'll also show all this documentation. Fees vary depending on which passport format(s) you're obtaining, whether it's for a minor or adult, and whether you're ordering expedited processing. It may cost under $100, or over $200. Checks or money orders payable to the U.S. Department of State are appropriate.

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About the Author

Based in Georgia, Loletrazina Church has been a professional freelance writer for more than 24 years. She has written several health-care articles and advertisement publications for websites such as KennethCole.com and Panasonic.com. Church attended Delgado College with a major in surgical technology.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Church, Loletrazina. "How do I Obtain a Passport in State of Georgia?" Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/obtain-passport-state-georgia-61072.html. 11 October 2017.

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